What to do in Nigeria

Take a bath in the Wikki Warm Spring

The Wikki Warm Spring is actually a lake that is 200 meters (656 feet) long and 10 meters (33 feet) wide.

Bathing in the Wikki Warm Spring is something tourists from all over the world look forward to. The spring, located near the camp site of the Yankari National Park, is one of its major attractions.

The waters of the Wikki Warm Spring are crystal clear – a special feature that you wouldn’t often see in public baths such as this.

The temperature of the water is constantly at 31°C (87.8°F), making it refreshingly warm and soothing for the muscles of your body, which would most likely be tired and achy from all your travel.

Don’t forget to bring your swimming gear when visiting Nigeria, as you really wouldn’t want to miss the chance to take a dip in the Wikki Warm Spring.

Join the Argungu fishing festival

The annual Argungu fishing festival is one of the most colorful and joyful festivals in the whole of Nigeria. Held in the charming town of Argungu, which is located in the state of Kebbit, the festival is in tribute of the 1934 visit of Sultan Dan Mu’azu to the area.

The fishing festival is held every February or March. During the opening of festivities, locals of Argungu take fish nets and dive into the water, catching fish in the spirit of the festival.

To help them, drummers are situated near the water – the sound of their drums excites the fish and drives them upward into the shallower parts of the water, making it easier to catch them.

There are also other activities that can be done at the Argungu fishing festival, among which are canoe racing, diving competitions, and fishing competitions where participants are allowed to use only their bare hands.

If you plan on visiting Nigeria during the time this festival is held, you may want to make sure that it is part of your itinerary.

Take a picnic on the banks of the Azumini Blue River

The Azumini Blue River is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty. Additionally, it is one of several calm and relaxing picnic spots in Nigeria, where couples and families can enjoy eating their food for the day with a grand view of the river.

The crystal clear water of Azumini Blue River is a sight to behold. It serves as a great backdrop for your picnic. There are chairs and tables available for those who wish to use them – some guests actually prefer to spread a huge piece of cloth right beside the river and have their picnic there. There are also barbecue grills in the area especially for tourists’ use.

Once you’ve eaten your fill of your picnic fare, you may opt to do other activities such as canoeing. You will enjoy taking a closer look at the water and exploring the length of the river.

Visit the Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary

The Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the city of Benin in the state of Edo, is the first of its kind in the country. It was granted protection by law for conservation in August 1985.

The sanctuary currently holds the distinction of being the second biggest wildlife sanctuary in Nigeria, next only to the Oban Forests that are located in Cross River State.

The Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary receives immense local support, as it is managed jointly by the government of the state of Edo and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). One of its major attractions is the presence of the white-throated monkey, which is a rare species today.

Other animal species that are present and taken care of in the sanctuary are the mona monkey, the red cangaby, the putty-nosed guenon, the potto, the buffalo, elephants, duikers, red river hog, porcupines, horn bills, and of course, the ever-popular and tourist-drawing chimpanzees.

Explore the Ogbunike Caves

There are several caves that are open for exploration to tourists in Nigeria. One of the most popular is the Ogbunike Caves of the state of Anambra, in the southeastern region of the country.

The caves can be accessed through an entrance on the valley floor, which is preceded by a trail of more than 300 steps. A lush tropical rainforest surrounds the cave entrance.

The major cave has an open chamber. Its entrance is 30 meters (98 feet) long, 10 meters (33 feet) wide, and 5 meters (16 feet) high. From the major chamber, the caves branch out into ten tunnels, leading to different locations within the Ogbunike Caves.

Formed several millennia ago, the caves are considered sacred by African natives. Because of this, tourists are requested to take their shoes off before entering.

The caves play a very important role in the spirituality of the locals, and this can be most evidently seen in the annual Ime Ogbe festivals, which celebrate the caves’ discovery.

In 2007, the Ogbunike Caves were included in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.